Running out of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Running out of time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that there is a limited amount of time left to complete a task or activity. Example: "As the deadline approaches, I can feel that I'm running out of time to finish my project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Running out of time, again.

Huffington Post

I'm running out of time.

The New York Times

"We're running out of time.

The New York Times

They are running out of time".

The New York Times

And they are running out of time.

The New York Times - Sports

It is fast running out of time.

The Economist

Europe is running out of time.

Independent

She's running out of time.

The Guardian

He's running out of time.

The New Yorker

Barca running out of time.

The Guardian - Sport

"If not, we're running out of time".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "running out of time" to create a sense of urgency or highlight the importance of acting quickly. For example: "We're running out of time to finalize the deal, so let's schedule a meeting for tomorrow."

Common error

Avoid using "running out of time" when a more precise phrase would be appropriate. For example, instead of saying "We are running out of time for the project", specify the exact deadline with "We must submit the project by Friday."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "running out of time" functions as a verbal phrase expressing the state of having a limited or diminishing amount of time available. It highlights urgency and the need for prompt action, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "running out of time" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey urgency and a diminishing time resource. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its frequent appearance in news and media, as well as in more formal contexts, denoting its versatility. Related phrases such as "time is running short" and "time is slipping away" offer similar nuances. When using this phrase, prioritize clarity and be mindful of the specific context to avoid vagueness and ensure accurate communication. The high frequency and broad applicability solidify "running out of time" as a valuable element for expressive writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Time is running short

Emphasizes the limited amount of time remaining and a sense of increasing urgency.

Time is slipping away

Highlights the gradual loss of time, suggesting a passive experience of time diminishing.

Nearing the deadline

Focuses on the approaching end of a specified period, particularly in formal contexts.

Time is of the essence

Indicates that time is a critical factor and must not be wasted, often used in formal or urgent situations.

The clock is ticking

Conveys a sense of impending consequences if action is not taken quickly, often used to heighten tension.

Running against the clock

Highlights the struggle to complete something before the time limit expires.

Time is tight

Implies that there is very little time available, suggesting a need for efficiency.

Under a time constraint

Formally indicates that operations are limited by a time restriction.

Squeezing in

Implies trying to fit something into a very limited amount of time.

Pressed for time

Means that you are very busy or have a lot to do in a limited amount of time.

FAQs

How can I use "running out of time" in a sentence?

You can use "running out of time" to express a sense of urgency or the limitation of remaining time. For example: "The negotiations are faltering, and we're running out of time to reach an agreement."

What can I say instead of "running out of time"?

You can use alternatives like "time is running short", "time is slipping away", or "nearing the deadline" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "running out of time"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Running out of time" is a common and accepted phrase in English to express the scarcity or depletion of time.

How does "running out of time" differ from "running late"?

"Running out of time" implies a general scarcity of time to complete a task or achieve a goal, while "running late" indicates a delay in meeting a specific appointment or schedule. "Running out of time" focuses on the overall time resource, while "running late" concentrates on a specific event or deadline.